The Nigerian music industry is mourning the death of Ifunanya Nwangene, an Abuja-based singer popularly known as Nanyah, who died after sustaining a snake bite at her residence.
Nwangene was reportedly bitten on Saturday and made frantic efforts to save her life by seeking urgent medical attention at two hospitals. She was allegedly turned away from the first facility due to the unavailability of anti-venom, before proceeding to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, where she later died.
Confirming the incident, Amemuso Choir, of which the late singer was a member, announced her death in a statement on social media.
“Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano, Ifunanya Nwangene, who passed away on 31st January 2026 at the Federal Medical Centre due to a snake bite,” the choir said.
“A rising star, Ifunanya was at the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
The choir’s director, Mr. Ezugwu, who narrated the events leading to her death, said he rushed to FMC after receiving an emergency call and met Nwangene in severe distress.
According to him, medical personnel informed him that two doses of anti-venom were required, but only one dose was available, which had already been administered.
“I was told to go and get the second anti-venom from Skylark Pharmacy near the National Hospital,” he said.
“While I was on my way back, her friend called me to say that Ifunanya had passed away at about 12:20 p.m.”
Ezugwu added that although FMC officials insisted medical attention was provided immediately on her arrival, critical delays had already occurred earlier.
“After the snake bite, she first went to a hospital in Lugbe, where they said they had no anti-venom. She then took a Bolt ride to FMC, which took about 30 minutes,” he said.
“She was still conscious when she arrived at FMC and explained what happened, even describing the snake to them.”
He further disclosed that a doctor later told him the venom had already spread extensively by the time she arrived at FMC.
Reacting to the incident, the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, in a statement, confirmed that Nwangene was attended to immediately upon arrival.
According to FMC, the patient was received at the emergency unit, assessed by medical personnel and placed on treatment protocols consistent with snake-bite management.
The hospital stated that anti-venom was administered, but noted that her condition was already critical due to the time lapse between the bite and hospital presentation.
FMC added that all necessary efforts were made to stabilise the patient but that she eventually succumbed to the effects of the venom.
Meanwhile, Ezugwu disclosed that Nwangene’s family had requested that her body be released for burial in Enugu State.
Following news of her death, videos circulated on social media showing a long black snake allegedly captured from her apartment after the incident.
The singer’s death has continued to generate nationwide reactions, with many Nigerians decrying the country’s weak emergency response system and the recurring shortage of life-saving drugs such as anti-venom in public health facilities.
